Automatic pet blanket

ABSTRACT

The invention is a new pet blanket that drapes around an animal in an outdoor kennel. The invention is installed in a pet kennel or animal enclosure. It comprises bundles of fabric that are attached to a platform or attached directly to the ceiling of a kennel. The attachment means comprises a velcro connection means or a mechanical safety snap connection means. The blanket fabric may be cotton, wool, a synthetic blend, or other suitable material, shaped into strands and gathered into bundles. The bundles of fabric hang down loosely from the ceiling or supporting platform, to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennel or animal stall. The bundles of fabric are spaced to allow the animal to move about freely in the kennel. At the same time, the bundles of fabric automatically provide a blanket that shelters the animal from the outside elements.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/685454, filed Oct. 09,2000. The prior application (Ser. No. 09/685454) is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to protective coverings and/or blankets fordomesticated animals that are kept in a kennel, stall, or alternativehousing.

BACKGROUND

People have kept domesticated animals throughout recorded history. Amongdomesticated animals, dogs have been favored as companions, as work orguard dogs, or for a combination of purposes. Through familiarity, manydog owners come to regard their pets as part of the family, deserving ofcomfortable accommodations that other family members enjoy.

Dogs kept outdoors require an outdoor doghouse or kennel or similarenclosure for shelter from the elements and for resting and sleeping. Inaddition, a dog needs a blanket or cover during cold weather.Traditionally, pet covers are placed on top of an animal by the owner orcaretaker. But when the animal moves about inside a doghouse or kennel,the cover is displaced. Ordinary blankets that lie on top of the animalare not stable enough for the animal to try to cover itself up byburroughing under the blanket. Moreover, animals with a disability (agait abnormality or hip problem, for instance) may be further harmed bygetting entangled in the blanket as they change positions.

(5) The animal blankets and covers on the market offer few, if any,options for keeping the family dog warm and protected from harshelements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Dogs and many other animals love dens because of the protection andfeeling of safety the dens give them. In the wild, animals dig and builddens; living with people, they typically sleep under a blanket. Thisinvention resembles a den where the animal is protected on all sides.The animal is practically hugged by soft materials that keep it warm andsafe. At the same time, the animal is unrestricted and can move aboutfreely.

The Automatic Pet Blanket is a hanging animal cover. Bundles of fabrichang down loosely from a platform or from the ceiling of the dog'skennel to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennel orstall. Spacing of the bundles allows the animal to pass freely into orfrom a kennel or stall. The movable strips of fabric automatically coverthe animal, providing warmth without heavy weight and providingprotection from light, wind, cold air, blowing rain, and snow. This newblanket allows the animal to enter the kennel, to move about inside orgo outside for water or food or to relieve itself With an automatichanging cover, the pet that moves about in the kennel does not becomeuncovered.

Ventilation is provided by the flow of air through the strands offabric. Fewer bundles of fabric allow for greater ventilation and acooler kennel. However, fewer bundles of fabric also provide lessprotection against light, wind, cold air, blowing rain, and snow.

For the Automatic Pet Blanket, bundled strips of fabric may be attachedto a platform made of plastic, metal, or wood. The platform may bemounted on the ceiling or sidewalls of a kennel or individual animalshelter or stall. The platform may also be free-standing (with attachedlegs) within an existing animal shelter or stall. Alternatively, thebundles of fabric may be directly attached to the kennel ceiling.

The means for attaching the bundles to the platform or the ceiling maybe a means for connecting Velcro® or a means for connecting a mechanicalsafety snap. Either type of connection means will allow the fabricbundles to drape over a moving animal without becoming detached. Also,the spacing of the bundles can be modified for particular applications.

Advantages of the invention include the following:

(1) The Automatic Pet Blanket operates by itself to cover a pet as itenters a kennel or stall without assistance from the animal owner orcaretaker.

(2) The Automatic Pet Blanket adjusts to the movement of the animal inits kennel or stall, without uncovering the moving animal or restrictingits movements.

(3) The Automatic Pet Blanket protects against light, wind, cold air,rain, and snow.

(4) Fabrics impregnated with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,anti-parasitic or insecticidal chemicals can be components of the cover;thus the Automatic Pet Blanket may protect or treat the animal againstcommon diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.

(5) The Automatic Pet Blanket permits ventilation within the kennel orstall while it provides protection from the elements.

(6) The blanket provides clearance from the floor of the kennel and,therefore, promotes sanitation within the animal enclosure.

(7) The thickness and texture of the hanging bundles of fabric may beadjusted for the season and weather in different climate conditions.

(8) The texture and weight of the hanging blanket may be adjusted forthe animal coat and for a variety of domesticated four-legged animals.

Objectives of the invention include the following:

The primary objective is to create a blanket through which and underwhich a pet may move about and change its position without removing thecover. Similarly, the pet may enter or leave the kennel withoutdisplacing the blanket cover.

A closely related objective is to create an automatic self-covering petblanket-that provides warmth and protection for an animal in a kennel,dog house, or stall.

Another related objective is to overcome the disadvantage of existingblankets that lie on top or over the animal's body as it rests and maybe disturbed or removed as the animal moves about.

Another related objective is to provide an automatic blanket that can beadapted to the size and structure of four-legged animals, especiallydogs and horses with varying thicknesses of animal coats.

Another objective is to create sanitary conditions within the kennel,dog house, or stall by keeping the bottom of the blanket from reachingor touching the floor of the kennel or stall.

Another objective is to provide ventilation while at the same timeprovide protection from weather conditions such as cold, wind, rain, andsnow.

Another objective is to create an Automatic Pet Blanket that is simpleand economical to manufacture.

Another objective is to provide a support apparatus or platform for theblanket that is structurally uncomplicated and easy to install duringmanufacture or in an already existing kennel or animal stall by theanimal owner or caretaker.

Another important objective is to create an Automatic Pet Blanket thatis wear-resistant, easy to maintain, easy to remove (for cleaning), andreplaceable with minimal effort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a dog positioned inside the kennelwhich contains the platform and the Velcro connection means for thebundles of fabric.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a single bundle of fabric with theVelcro connection means.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the bundles of fabric attacheddirectly to the ceiling of the kennel through the Velcro connectionmeans.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the bundles of fabric attacheddirectly to the ceiling of the kennel through the mechanical safety snapconnection means.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of a single bundle of fabric with themechanical safety snap connection means.

FIG. 6 shows a bundle of fabric positioned in relation to the plasticreceptacle.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative plastic safety hook in the unlocked (open)position.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the platform with its cross-links.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a flat board (an alternativeembodiment of the platform) with a Velcro layer attached to the undersurface of the board.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings. The figures are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 8 show the bundles of fabric, the platform, and themeans for attaching the bundles to the platform or directly to thekennel ceiling. Two different kinds of attachment means may be used: aVelcro connection means as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, and a mechanicalsafety snap connection means as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The bundles 2may be attached to a platform 4 as shown in FIG. 1, or the bundles maybe attached to the kennel ceiling 6 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Theattachment modes for the bundles are a Velcro connection means (shown inFIG. 2) and a mechanical safety snap connection. means (shown in FIG.5).

The fabric may be cotton, wool, synthetic, plastic, a woven blend, orother suitable material. The fabric may be shaped into strands 8, whichare cut into flat strips or rounded or other shapes. The strands aregathered into bundles that are attached to the connectors in fixedlinear or swirling sets of bundles. The bundles of fabric may beapproximately 2 inches in diameter and 4 to 27 inches in length. Thenumber, length, and diameter of the bundles vary depending on the sizeof the kennel and size of the dog.

The type of fabric and the thickness of the bundled fabric may beadapted to the weather. Because the fabric is attached by Velcro orremovable connectors, the fabric may be changed according to season (forinstance, wool in winter and cotton in spring or fall). The thickness ofthe blanket may be changed by adding connectors with attached fabric.Spacing the connectors and fabric in different ways can provide greateror lesser warmth and protection.

A distance of one to three inches between the bottom of the strands offabric and the floor of the kennel keeps the cover sanitary. The fabricdoes not touch the floor of the kennel or animal enclosure as shown inFIG. 1. The exact distance from the floor may vary with the size of theanimal. Sanitary conditions can be maintained since the fabric may beeasily removed from the matrix or kennel ceiling. The fabric may bewashed (laundered) or professionally cleaned, as appropriate. The fabricmay be impregnated with non-toxic anti-bacterial chemical agents thatinhibit or prevent growth or presence of bacteria, viruses, insects,parasites, flees, and funguses. The fabric may be designed to be partlyor fully elastic, to allow for stretching by the animal and to preventtearing In the preferred embodiment, the bundles of fabric are 4-plycotton yarn, with the individual strands in a round cylindrical shape.FIG. 1 shows the strands hanging from the ceiling or platform anddraping over the dog. The fabric allows easy movement of the dog insidethe kennel while protecting the dog from the outside environment.

In the preferred embodiment, the connection means (shown in FIGS. 1, 2,and 3) comprises industrial strength Velcro. Commercially availableVelcro with Sticky Back® may be used. The product Velcro has twoopposing substrates. As shown in FIG. 2, the first opposing substratecomprises a front surface 10 with thousands of minute fiber hook-shapedstructures in it, and a back surface 12 of Sticky Back. The Sticky Backcontains a self-adhesive that adheres to many, if not most, cloth andmetal composite structures. The second opposing substrate comprises afront surface 14 with thousands of minute fiber loop-shaped structuresin it, and a back surface 16 of Sticky Back (which is the same type ofmaterial as on the back surface of the first opposing substrate). Whenthe two opposing substrates come into physical contact, the hooks clingto the loops as the tiny hook-shaped fibers catch through the tinyloop-shaped fibers. Pressing the two Velcro substrates together makesthe Velcro connection.

Peeling apart the two opposing substrates enables the hook-shaped fibersto be pulled from the loop-shaped fibers and breaks the Velcroconnection. (In this way, bundles of fabric may be removed from thematrix or ceiling.)

In the preferred embodiment, the first opposing substrate is attached tothe bundle of fabric on the back surface by applying the Sticky Backmaterial to the bundle. The center area 18 of the bundle of fabric isthe actual place where the back surface of Sticky Back (of the firstopposing substrate) is attached. The front surface remains exposed andavailable for connection to a corresponding opposing Velcro substrate.The back surface of the second opposing substrate (which contains theself-adhesive Sticky Back) is applied to the under surface 20 of theplatform or ceiling of the kennel. The Sticky Back provides the bondingmechanism for attachment to the platform or ceiling;the front surface ofthe second opposing substrate remains exposed.

Once the two front surfaces with the open exposed loop-shaped structuresand hook-shaped structures come into physical contact, a connection ismade. Through this Velcro connection means, the bundle of fabric hangsdown from the ceiling or matrix of the kennel.

FIG. 8 shows the platform with the under surface and the cross-links 22(that are the points of intersection of grid patterns). The back surfaceof one of the opposing substrates (with Sticky Back) is actually bondedto the under surface at the location of a specific cross-link. In thepreferred embodiment, the first opposing surface comprises thehook-shaped structures and the second opposing surface comprises theloop-shaped structures. However, these two structures can beinterchanged and the Velcro connection effect still obtained.

In a similar manner, the Velcro connection means may be used to attachbundles directly to the kennel ceiling (as in FIG. 3), thereby allowingthe bundles of fabric to hang down from the ceiling.

Alternative to the Velcro connection means is a mechanical safety snapconnection means as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 5, themechanical safety snap connection means comprises a plastic receptacle24, a safety hook 26, and a plastic retainer 28.

FIG. 6 shows the plastic receptacle which comprises a larger plasticloop 30 and a smaller plastic loop 32 that are bonded together. Thelarger plastic loop has a diameter of 2 inches and the smaller plasticloop has a diameter of ½ inch. Standard commercially available plasticloops may be used in creating the plastic receptacle. The two loops arebonded together with a suitable commercial industrial grade adhesive,and the bond exists over an area 34 that is approximately ⅛ square inchalong one edge of both plastic loops. The bundles of fabric are placedinside the larger plastic loop (of the plastic receptacle) which in turnis wrapped tightly around the center of the bundles. A spray adhesivemay be applied to both the plastic loop and the bundle of fabric toensure that the bundle is bound together and bound to the safety hook.The spray adhesive may be a commercially available aerosol adhesive.Applying the spray adhesive prevents individual strands of the fabricfrom slipping or sliding in the safety hook.

After a bundle of fabric is positioned inside the larger plastic loop,the smaller plastic loop of the plastic receptacle is placed inside thesafety hook, as shown in FIG. 5.

The safety hook has a key feature: the self-locking of the j-clampstructure. In the locked (closed) position there are no sharp exposededges or openings through which the bundles of fabric can slip. Thephysical dimensions of the safety hook are approximately 1½ inches longand approximately 1 inch wide. In the preferred embodiments, the safetyhook is an oval smooth structure, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In analternative embodiment (shown in FIG. 7), the safety hook can be anoblong/elliptical structure, or a modified “hourglass” type ofstructure. FIG. 7 shows the safety hook in the unlocked (open) position.

Preferably, the safety hook is composed of a plastic material. Inalternative embodiments, the safety hook can be composed of metal or acomposite material.

The plastic retainer comprises a closed plastic loop 36 and a plasticrectangular backing 38 that is attached to the loop by a suitablemechanical or adhesive method. The loop may be approximately 2 inches indiameter and the backing may be approximately 1 to 2 inches in length orwidth. Generally, the loop and backing are sized and shapedappropriately to match the size and shape of the safety hook that ischosen for a particular application. On the ceiling of the kennel or onthe under surface of the platform, the plastic retainer is attached byusing double mounting tape across the flat surface 40 of the backing.

The safety hook (which already contains the smaller plastic loop of theplastic receptacle) is connected to a corresponding plastic retainer.Specifically, the safety hook is opened over the plastic retainer's loopand then closed so that the safety hook is self-locked and the bundlesof fabric hang down.

As stated above, a platform (as shown in FIG. 8) may or may not be usedas part of this invention. In the preferred embodiment which comprises aplatform, the platform is made of a hard plastic board. The dimensionsof the platform are 36 inches long, 26 inches wide, and approximately ½inches in thickness (which correspond to the dimensions of amedium-sized dog house). The platform has four sides 42, with holes 44on each of the four sides. The holes are available for screwing theplatform to the walls of the kennel. Preferably, there are two holes oneach side of the platform and each of the holes is about ¼ inch indiameter and 1 inch in depth. The cross-links are 2 to 4 inches in widthto match the size of the backing of the plastic receptacle. The lengthof the cross-links matches the length of the platform or correspondinglythe width of the platform.

The platform is suspended below the roof of the kennel and attached tothe sidewalls of the kennel. Screws 46 (shown in FIG. 1) are placed inthe holes and attached to screw/bolt combinations on the sidewalls ofthe kennel. In the preferred embodiment, 8 screws are used; that is,there are two screws and consequently two attachments on each of thefour sides of the platform. The screws fit into corresponding wall holesthat physically align with the platform holes. In this manner, thescrews are used to attach the platform to the kennel sidewalls. (Inalternative embodiments, one screw per side may be used.) Once screwsare placed in position and physically link the platform to thesidewalls, a suitable adhesive may be applied to the area surroundingthe screws and the hole openings. Several suitable commercial adhesivesare available to provide a “gap filler” or “liquid nut/bolt locker” or“thread locker.” Any one of these products can be used to ensure apermanent attachment at the location of the screws (which are inside theholes and physically link the platform to the sidewalls).

Specific locations on the platform or kennel ceiling are selected forhanging the bundles of fabric, depending on the particular animal andapplication.

Extra Embodiments

In the preferred embodiments, the dimensions for the platform,attachment means, and bundles of fabric are based upon a typicalmedium-sized commercial dog kennel. For larger kennels, the dimensionsof the individual components may be increased. Likewise, for smallerkennels, the dimensions of the individual components may becorrespondingly decreased. At least one bundle of fabric is required; inthe preferred embodiments, there are a plurality of bundles.

In FIG. 9, the platform comprises a flat solid board, which is analternative to the preferred embodiment discussed above. (There are nocross-links or open spaces in the board.) The board has an under surface48 to which a Velcro layer 50 may be attached. This Velcro layeressentially corresponds to the second opposing surface that is discussedin terms of the preferred embodiments. The Velcro layer can lie acrossthe entire length of the board or lie in sections along the board, asspecified above in the preferred embodiments containing the Velcroconnection means (for the applications involving either the platform orceiling). The dimensions of the board may correspond to the dimensionslisted above for the preferred embodiments, that is, 36 inches long, 26inches wide and ½ inches in thickness.

If the board does not contain the Velcro layer, the mechanical snapconnection means may be used to attach bundles of fabric to the undersurface of the board.

Another alternative embodiment includes attaching at least one bundleand preferably a plurality of bundles of fabric along a bar. Then, thebar is attached to a platform or ceiling through a mechanical safetysnap connection means (as disclosed in the preferred embodiments).

A third alternative embodiment includes using a conventional motorizedmeans for hoisting or elevating a platform which supports bundles offabric. A typical rotor motor or conventional pulley/lever technique maybe used to position a platform in an area where an animal is housed.

The Automatic Pet Blanket may be built into new kennels as they aremanufactured. Platforms of different sizes and shapes can be made to fitinto already existing kennels. They can be attached to the ceiling, orthey can be supported by columns or legs that are positioned near thecorners of the kennel. They can be constructed inside the kennelpermanently or attached by removable brackets. They can be taken apartor dismantled and moved to another kennel, or they can providefree-standing protection for an animal. Also, the kennel ceiling surfacecan have a variety of shapes, not only flat and rectangular.

Applications of the Automatic Pet Blanket can be made for barnyardanimals or livestock or other animals that need protection from theelements.

Horses, for example, need protection from the elements, and an automaticblanket cover can be designed for horses. Typically, a horse wants itshead and hind quarters uncovered and free of encumbrances. A horse wouldbalk at walking into or through strands of overhanging fabric.Consequently, an automatic blanket cover designed for a horse, using theprinciples of construction for the Automatic Pet Blanket, would be movedonto the animal rather than having the animal walk head first throughhanging strands of fabric.

In a stall or stable or in a horse trailer, a movable automatic cover,powered by an engine or by hand, can be lowered on both sides of theanimal and then drawn together from the two sides to cover the body ofthe animal, leaving the head and hind quarters uncovered.

An automatic blanket cover for a horse of other large animal can bedesigned in either of two ways:

(A) By attaching bundles or strands of fabric to individual rodsconnected to an engine; as the engine powers the rods, the strands offabric are lowered downward to cover the animal or pulled upward toremove the cover.

(B) By raising or lowering the entire platform (with fabric bundles orstrands attached) by means of an engine, and then adjusting the fabricto cover or uncover the animal in a separate procedure.

Both the Automatic Pet Blanket and the automatic blanket adaptation forlarge animals have potential uses by individual animal owners, in animalhospitals, on farms or ranches, in a zoo, and by entertainers withanimal performers.

Commercially available products may be used in the process of making theAutomatic Pet Blanket. The invention is not limited to any specificcommercially available products. In all cases, generic products or othercommercially available products may be substituted.

In its commercial embodiments, the present invention will be madeavailable in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to accommodatedifferent applications. The scope of the invention is not limited to anyof the physical dimensions specified in the preferred embodiments. Also,the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above,but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hanging animal cover, the cover comprising: (a)at least one bundle of fabric; (b) a platform of material, the platformcomprising an under surface; and (c) means for attaching the bundle tothe under surface of the platform whereby the animal is covered by thebundle of fabric, wherein the attachment means comprises a material forconnection, the material comprising a first opposing substrate and asecond opposing substrate, (i) the first opposing substrate comprising afront surface with of minute fiber hook-shaped structures and a backsurface comprising a self-adhesive, and (ii) the second opposingsubstrate comprising a front surface with of minute fiber loop-shapedstructures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive.
 2. A hanginganimal cover, the cover comprising: (a) at least one bundle of fabric;(b) a platform of material, the platform comprising an under surface;and (c) means for attaching the bundle to the under surface of theplatform whereby the animal is covered by the bundle of fabric, whereinthe attachment means comprises means for connecting a mechanical safetysnap, wherein the mechanical safety snap connection means comprises aplastic retainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptacle wherein (i)the plastic retainer is connected to the under surface of the platform,(ii) the safety hook is connected to the plastic retainer, and (iii) theplastic receptacle is connected to the safety hook.
 3. A hanging animalcover, the cover comprising: (a) at least one bundle of fabric; (b) aplatform of material, the platform comprising an under surface; and (c)means for attaching the bundle to the under surface of the platformwhereby the animal is covered by the bundle of fabric, wherein theattachment means comprises means for connecting a mechanical safetysnap, wherein the mechanical safety snap connection means comprises aplastic retainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptacle wherein (i)the plastic retainer is connected to the under surface of the platform,(ii) the safety hook is connected to the plastic retainer, and (iii) theplastic receptacle is connected to the safety hook, wherein the plasticreceptacle comprises a larger plastic loop and a smaller plastic loop,the larger loop and the smaller loop bonded together with an adhesive,the bundle of fabric is positioned inside the larger loop of the plasticreceptacle, the smaller loop of the plastic receptacle is positionedinside the safety hook, the safety hook comprises a j-clamp self-lockingmechanism, and the plastic retainer comprises a closed plastic loop. 4.A hanging animal cover, the cover comprising: (a) at least one bundle offabric; (b) a ceiling on an enclosure; and (c) means for attaching thebundle to the ceiling, whereby the animal is covered by the bundle offabric, wherein the attachment means comprises a material forconnection, the material comprising a first opposing substrate and asecond opposing substrate, (i) the first opposing substrate comprising afront surface with of minute fiber hook-shaped structures and a backsurface comprising a self-adhesive, and (ii) the second opposingsubstrate comprising a front surface with of minute fiber loop-shapedstructures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive.
 5. A hanginganimal cover, the cover comprising: (a) at least one bundle of fabric;(b) a ceiling on an enclosure; and (c) means for attaching the bundle tothe ceiling, whereby the animal is covered by the bundle of fabric,wherein the attachment means comprises means for connecting a mechanicalsafety snap, wherein the mechanical safety snap connection meanscomprises a plastic retainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptaclewherein (i) the plastic retainer is connected to the ceiling, (ii) thesafety hook is connected to the plastic retainer, and (iii) the plasticreceptacle is connected to the safety hook.
 6. A method of making ahanging animal cover, the method comprising: (a) creating at least onebundle of fabric; (b) obtaining a platform of material, the platformcomprising an under surface; and (c) attaching with a means, the meansfor attaching the bundle of fabric to the under surface of the platform,wherein (i) the attachment means comprises a material for connection,the material comprising a first opposing substrate and a second opposingsubstrate, the first opposing substrate comprising a front surface withof minute fiber hook-shaped structures and a back surface comprising aself-adhesive, and the second opposing substrate comprising a frontsurface with of minute fiber loop-shaped structures and a back surfacecomprising a self-adhesive, (ii) the bundle of fabric comprises a centerarea, (iii) the self-adhesive of the back surface of the first opposingsubstrate is attached to the center area of the bundle of fabric, (iv)the self-adhesive of the back surface of the second opposing substrateis attached to the under surface of the platform, and (v) the frontsurface of the first opposing substrate is attached to the front surfaceof the second opposing substrate.
 7. A method of making a hanging animalcover, the method comprising: (a) creating at least one bundle offabric; (b) obtaining a platform of material, the platform comprising anunder surface; and (c) attaching with a means, the means for attachingthe bundle of fabric to the under surface of the platform, wherein theattachment means comprises means for connecting a mechanical safetysnap, the mechanical safety snap connection means comprising a plasticretainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptacle, the plasticreceptacle comprising a larger plastic loop and a smaller plastic loop,wherein (i) the bundle of fabric is positioned inside the larger plasticloop of the plastic receptacle, (ii) the smaller loop of the plasticreceptacle is positioned inside the safety hook, (iii) the safety hookis connected to the plastic retainer, and (iv) the plastic retainer isattached to the under surface of the platform.
 8. An apparatus forcovering an animal, the apparatus comprising at least one bundle offabric, a platform of material, the platform comprising an undersurface, and means for attaching the bundle to the under surface of theplatform, wherein the animal is free to move about, and wherein theanimal is covered by the bundle of fabric, wherein the attachment meanscomprises a material for connection, the material comprising a firstopposing substrate and a second opposing substrate, (i) the firstopposing substrate comprising a front surface with of minute fiberhook-shaped structures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive,and (ii) the second opposing substrate comprising a front surface withof minute fiber loop-shaped structures and a back surface comprising aself-adhesive.